A cherry blossom song with great lyrics. A wonderful, heartwarming message.

Sakura: To You Who Couldn’t GraduateHanzaki Yoshiko

Yoshiko Hanzaki “Sakura: To You Who Couldn’t Graduate” (Official Live Video)

A song by Hokkaido-born singer-songwriter Yoshiko Hanzaki.

It’s a number in which she weaves her feelings for a late friend who should have graduated alongside her, delivered in a voice that feels like a heartfelt conversation.

It expresses the sense of loss felt during cherry blossom season, as well as deep affection for someone who continues to live on in the heart.

After 17 years of groundwork, she made her major debut, and the song was included on the mini-album “Utaben,” released in April 2017, before later being released as a single.

Performed when she won the New Artist Award at the 50th Japan Cable Radio Awards, the piece is also widely loved as a choral song.

The animated music video also drew attention.

It’s a song that gently stays with you when you want to quietly remember someone after cherry-blossom viewing, or for those who have experienced parting with someone dear.

Sakura (2019)Moriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama – “Sakura (2019)” Music Video

When it comes to Japanese songs themed around cherry blossoms, many people probably think of this one.

“Sakura,” a signature song by Naotaro Moriyama, has surely encouraged countless listeners.

It’s a piece we want to keep singing across generations—a classic that makes you find yourself humming it every spring when you see the cherry blossoms.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Somei Yoshino (Yoshino cherry)ENDLICHERI☆ENDLICHERI

Somei Yoshino (Yoshino cherry)

This is the first single released under one of Tsuyoshi Domoto’s solo monikers, ENDLICHERI☆ENDLICHERI; Domoto is also active as a member of KinKi Kids.

Titled after Somei Yoshino, a cherry blossom variety commonly seen in Japan, the song depicts the many emotions felt during cherry blossom season.

Its airy, floating sound—evoking an unsteady mind and shifting feelings—together with vocals that accentuate that mood, creates a unique world.

The track conjures the sense of unease behind the beauty of cherry blossoms, which can be seen only for a limited time each year: how many more times will we get to witness this scene?

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kappamaki

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Homeward Road in MarchHirai Dai

Dai Hirai / The Way Home in March (Lyric Video)

A heartwarming song that fits perfectly with the cherry blossom season has arrived.

Carried by Dai Hirai’s gentle vocals, it weaves together the complex emotions of parting and new beginnings.

Set against the backdrop of March’s scenery, it carefully portrays a blend of loneliness and dignity, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released digitally in February 2022, the track is also included on the best-of album “LOVE＋PEACE.” Its piano and strings arrangement makes for a moving listen.

It’s a song we especially recommend to those entering graduation season or anyone standing at a turning point in life.

Song of SpringUkasukaji

"Song of Spring" (Ukasuka-G ver.) MUSIC VIDEO short ver.

Created to coincide with cherry blossom season, this refreshing track evokes the arrival of spring and the start of new beginnings.

Led by the duo Ukasuka-G, it was crafted with contributions from many prominent artists.

Produced in 2014 as the campaign song for FM802’s “ACCESS!”, it later appeared as a self-cover version on Ukasuka-G’s album “AMIGO.” Serving as an encouraging anthem for those stepping into new environments, it’s a song many people want to listen to with the coming of spring.

Highly recommended for anyone marking a milestone in life, such as graduation, school entrance, or starting a new job.

the first strong spring windnishina

haruichiban

Nishina’s song portrays the emotions of people facing farewells and new departures with the arrival of spring.

Built on the warm tones of an acoustic guitar and a simple band sound, the track is marked by a gentle yet fleeting vocal performance.

Chosen as the theme song for radiko’s new commercial, it was released digitally in March 2023.

By depicting both sides of the spring season—“parting” and “beginning”—the piece is crafted so listeners can layer it onto their own experiences.

It’s a song that resonates with many, embracing memories with loved ones, the loneliness of growing distant, and the resolve to keep moving forward.

spring thunderYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Spring Thunder

This song expresses the fleeting, cherry blossom-like beauty of first love by likening it to spring thunder.

Kenshi Yonezu’s poetic lyrics and distinctive melody resonate deeply with listeners.

It artfully depicts the emotional shifts from the beginning to the end of a romance.

Included on the album “BOOTLEG,” the track was released in November 2017.

Its music video also drew attention and became immensely popular, surpassing 100 million views on YouTube.

It’s especially recommended for the season when you can feel spring’s arrival.

It’s a song that will stay close to your heart when you want to look back on your first love or when you’re feeling wistful.